Victoria Falls Campground: Free Historic Camping in the High Country

Step back in time and camp amongst history at the Victoria Falls Campground, a delightful free camping area located in the heart of the Victorian High Country. Situated just off the Great Alpine Road between Omeo and Dinner Plain, this campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and fascinating heritage. The reserve is the site of Victoria’s first hydro-electric power station, built in 1908 to power the nearby Cassilis goldfields, and remnants of this pioneering history can be explored via a short walking track. The campground itself is set on a grassy ridge overlooking the Victoria River, offering a peaceful and open setting amongst stunted gum trees. It’s a well-maintained and popular spot for travellers exploring the high country, providing a comfortable and scenic base for a night or two.

The campground is well-suited for a range of setups, from tents to caravans and motorhomes, though access can be tricky for very large rigs. The facilities are basic but well-kept, including non-flushing toilets and several wood-fired BBQs and picnic tables. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy the abundant birdlife, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding farmland and forest. While it’s a free site, campers need to be largely self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and firewood. The proximity to the Great Alpine Road makes it an easily accessible stopover, yet it feels a world away from the main tourist trail. For those interested in history, nature, and a fantastic free stay in a beautiful part of Victoria, the Victoria Falls Campground is a must-visit destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Victoria Falls Campground
• Address: Victoria Falls Road, Cobungra, Victoria 3898, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: Latitude: -37.093, Longitude: 147.475
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Grassy ridge in an open woodland setting, part of the Victoria Falls Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, campervans, and small to medium caravans.
• Road Access: Access via a narrow, 600m gravel road marked as ‘dry weather only’. Check conditions after rain.
• Site Surface: Mown grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, wood BBQs, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited, may be available on higher points.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted on a leash but check Parks Victoria for any specific restrictions.
• Fishing: Possible in the nearby Victoria River for small trout.
• Short Walks: A historic walking track explores the old hydro-electric scheme ruins.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest) – approx. 20 km
  • Golden Age Hotel (Omeo) – approx. 22 km
  • Hotel High Plains (Dinner Plain) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various pubs and cafes in Omeo – approx. 22 km
  • Restaurants and cafes in Dinner Plain – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Victoria Falls Historic Area – on site
  • Great Alpine Road scenic drive
  • Omeo Historic Town – approx. 22 km
  • Dinner Plain Alpine Village – approx. 25 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Omeo Caravan Park – approx. 22 km
  • Swifts Creek Caravan Park – approx. 55 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Jokers Flat Campground – approx. 30 km
  • Anglers Rest Campground – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Omeo Public Dump Point – approx. 22 km
  • Dinner Plain Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Omeo – approx. 22 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Omeo – approx. 22 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Omeo – approx. 22 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximums are around 20°C to 23°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The autumn foliage is stunning. Average maximums range from 10°C to 19°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and potential for snowfalls. Roads can be icy. Average maximums are around 6°C to 8°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. A great time for wildflowers. Average maximums range from 11°C to 18°C.